Anatomical changes induced by isolates of Trichoderma spp. in soybean plants.

In the current work we evaluated the anatomical changes induced by T. harzianum and T. asperellum in two soybean cultivars, BRSGO Caiaponia and NA 5909 RG. Soybean production represents a growing market worldwide, and new methods aimed at increasing its productivity and yield are constantly being sought. Fungi of the genus Trichoderma have been widely used in agriculture as a promising alternative for the promotion of plant growth and for biological control of various pathogens. It is known that Trichoderma spp. colonize plant roots, but the anatomical changes that this fungus can cause are still less studied. Experiment was conducted in a greenhouse to collect leaves and soybean roots to perform analysis of growth parameters, enzymatic activity of defense-related enzymes and anatomical changes. It was observed that inoculation of Trichoderma spp. caused anatomical alterations, among them, increase in stomatal index at the abaxial leaf surface, thickness of the root cortex, thickness of adaxial epidermis, mean diameter of the vascular cylinder, thickness of the mesophyll, and thickness of the spongy parenchyma of the soybean plants. These results indicate that the alterations in these factors may be related to the process of plant resistance to pathogens, and better performance against adverse conditions. This study demonstrates that the anatomical study of plants is an important tool to show the effects that are induced by biological control agents.

Correction to: Extrafloral nectaries of four varieties of Chamaecrista ramosa (Vogel) H.S.Irwin & Barneby (Fabaceae): anatomy, chemical nature, mechanisms of nectar secretion, and elimination.

The published online version contains mistake. The author name Letícia de Almeida Golçalves should be Letícia de Almeida Gonçalves. Corrected name is shown in the author group section above.

Extrafloral nectaries of four varieties of Chamaecrista ramosa (Vogel) H.S.Irwin & Barneby (Fabaceae): anatomy, chemical nature, mechanisms of nectar secretion, and elimination.

Considering the importance of extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) in Fabaceae, the objectives of this research were to analyze (1) the anatomical and histochemical characteristics of the EFNs of Chamaecrista ramosa var. ramosa, C. ramosa var. curvifoliola, C. ramosa var. parvifoliola, and C. ramosa var. lucida and (2) the ultrastructure of the EFNs of C. ramosa var. ramosa. Standard techniques in plant anatomy and transmission electron microscopy were used. The anatomical analyses confirmed the characteristics described for extrafloral nectaries, evidencing three well-defined regions: epidermis, nectariferous, and subnectariferous parenchymas. Carbohydrates, proteins, pectins/mucilages, and lipids were detected by histochemical analyzes in all varieties. The ultrastructure of the EFNs of C. ramosa var. ramosa allowed the observation of microchannels at the external periclinal cell walls of the epidermis covering the secretory region. The nectariferous and subnectariferous parenchyma cells have periplasmic spaces, large plastids containing starch grains and plastoglobules, mitochondria, developed endoplasmic reticulum, large vacuoles with electron-dense contents, and membrane residues may be associated with the vacuole, suggesting the occurrence of autophagic processes. The anatomical, histochemical, and ultrastructural patterns revealed characteristics that confirm the glands of C. ramosa as extrafloral nectaries and suggest the eccrine mechanism of secretion.

Essential Oil Composition, Antimicrobial and Pharmacological Activities of Lippia sidoides Cham. (Verbenaceae) From São Gonçalo do Abaeté, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Lippia sidoides (Verbenaceae) is used in Brazilian folk medicine as an antiseptic, and it is usually applied topically on skin, mucous membranes, mouth, and throat, or used for vaginal washings. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the chemical composition of the essential oil from L. sidoides collected in São Gonçalo do Abaeté, Minas Gerais and grown in Hidrolândia, Goiás; to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil, crude ethanol extract, and hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl-acetate, and aqueous fractions (AFs); to study the antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and central nervous system activities of the crude ethanol extract. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The essential oils were obtained by hydro-distillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus and analyzed by GC/MS. The antimicrobial activity in vitro was performed by broth microdilution method. The pharmacological tests were performed using female Swiss albino mice. RESULTS: The major components of the essential oil were isoborneol (14.66%), bornyl acetate (11.86%), α-humulene (11.23%), α-fenchene (9.32%), and 1.8-cineole (7.05%), supporting the existence of two chemotypes of this species. The hexane fraction (HF) had good antifungal activity against Cryptococcus sp. ATCC D (MIC = 31.25 µg/mL) and Cryptococcus gatti L48 (MIC = 62.5 µg/mL). In the pharmacological tests, the crude ethanol extract presented antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities. CONCLUSION: Given that the ethanol extract of L. sidoides is included in the Formulary of Phytotherapeutic Agents of the Brazilian Pharmacopeia as an anti-inflammatory for oral cavities, the present work provides scientific evidence to back this use and highlight the importance of selecting the appropriate chemotype on the basis of the expected biological response. SUMMARY: The major components of the essential oil of L. sidoides were isoborneol bornyl acetate, α-humulene, α-fenchene, and 1.8-cineole. The HF had good antifungal activity against Cryptococcus sp. ATCC D and C. gatti L4.The crude ethanol extract of L. sidoides presented antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities.The present work provides scientific evidence of the importance of selecting the appropriate chemotype on the basis of the expected biological response. Abbreviations used: UFG: Universidade Federal de Goiás; HF: hexane fraction; DF: dichloromethane fraction; EAF: ethyl acetate fraction; AF: aqueous fraction; MeOH: methanol; MIC: minimum inhibitory concentration; ATCC: American Type Culture Collection; MH: Müller Hinton; DMSO: dimethyl sulfoxide; RPMI: Roswell Park Memorial Institute; NaCl: sodium chloride; µL: microliters; mL: milliliters; µg: microgram; kg: kilogram; h: hour; min: minute; cm: centimeter; COBEA: Brazilian College of Animal Experiments; p.o.:, oral; i.p.: intraperitoneal; s.c.: subcutaneous; SEM: standard error of the mean; RI: retention indices.

Trichomes and chemical composition of the volatile oil of Trichogonia cinerea (Gardner) R. M. King & H. Rob. (Eupatorieae, Asteraceae).

Trichogonia cinerea is endemic to Brazil and occurs in areas of cerrado and campo rupestre. In this study, we characterized the glandular and non-glandular trichomes on the aerial parts of this species, determined the principal events in the development of the former, and identified the main constituents of the volatile oil produced in its aerial organs. Fully expanded leaves, internodes, florets, involucral bracts, and stem apices were used for the characterization of trichomes. Leaves, internodes, florets, and involucral bracts were examined by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, whereas stem apices were examined only by light microscopy. Branches in the reproductive phase were used for the extraction and determination of the composition of the volatile oil. The species has three types of glandular trichomes, biseriate vesicular, biseriate pedunculate, and multicellular uniseriate, which secrete volatile oils and phenolic compounds. The major components identified in the volatile oil were 3,5-muuroladiene (39.56%) and butylated hydroxytoluene (13.07%).

Morpho-anatomy and ontogeny of the underground system of Chrysolaena simplex (Less.) Dematt. (Asteraceae).

The occurrence of thickened underground systems in Asteraceae is widely reported in the literature. Given the great complexity of underground systems, which may originate from roots, stems, or both, morpho-anatomical analyses are essential to ensure the use of correct terminology. The goals of this study were to describe the morpho-anatomy and ontogeny, investigate the occurrence of secondary metabolites and evaluate the effects of seasonality on the underground system of Chrysolaena simplex (Less.) Dematt. Samples were studied using standard protocols of plant anatomy, scanning electron microscopy, histochemical and phytochemical. The underground system of C. simplex was categorised as a rhizophore which started from cotyledonary node. In adult individuals, with rhizophores completely developed, the primary roots degenerated and adventitious radicular systems are formed. The buds in the subterranean portions promote the rhizophore growing, and form aerial stems when exposed to light. Lipophilic droplets were evident in the parenchymatous cells of the cortex and pith, endodermis and buds. Inulin-type fructans were observed in the stem axis and buds of the rhizophore. The presence of buds, secondary metabolites and the storage of fructans and lipids in the rhizophore can be seen as adaptive traits.

Chemical Constituents of Essential Oil from Lippia sidoides Cham. (Verbenaceae) Leaves Cultivated in Hidrolândia, Goiás, Brazil.

Several studies involving the family Verbenaceae, occurring in the Brazilian Cerrado, have emphasized the popular use of many aromatic species. We highlight the use of Lippia sidoides Cham., known as "alecrim pimenta," native to northeastern Brazil and northern Minas Gerais. Leaves of this species were collected in antropized Brazilian Cerrado area, in Hidrolândia, Goiás, and their essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger-type apparatus and thereafter analyzed GC/MS. Among the compounds identified in this study were the most abundant oxygenated monoterpenes, followed by sesquiterpenes hydrocarbons. The oxygenated monoterpene 1,8-cineole was the major constituent followed by isoborneol and bornyl acetate. The chemical composition of essential oil described in this paper differs from that described in the literature for L. sidoides found in its native environment, where the major constituents are thymol and carvacrol.

Morfoanatomia de Memora nodosa (Silva Manso) Miers, Bignoniaceae / Morpho-anatomy of Memora nodosa (Silva Manso) Miers, Bignoniaceae

Memora nodosa (Silva Manso) Miers, Bignoniaceae, é uma planta do Cerrado utilizada popularmente como cicatrizante de úlceras e feridas externas (folhas e caules). O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar morfologicamente essa espécie e fazer o estudo anatômico de suas folhas. O estudo morfológico foi realizado à vista desarmada e com o auxílio de microscópio estereoscópico. Para o estudo anatômico as folhas foram seccionadas e as lâminas histológicas confeccionadas de acordo com as técnicas convencionais. Memora nodosa é um arbusto com folhas opostas cruzadas, recompostas, bipinadas, imparipinadas, com foliólulos pequenos, lanceolados, verde-escuros e brilhantes. A inflorescência é racemosa com flores infundibuliformes e corola amarelo-ouro; glândulas nectaríferas são observadas no terço superior do cálice; androceu com quatro estames férteis, didínamos e um estaminódio reduzido; gineceu com estilete terminal, ovário súpero, assentado sobre um disco nectarífero. O fruto é do tipo cápsula septífraga achatada, com sementes aladas. Anatomicamente a lâmina do foliólulo é hipoestomática com estômatos predominantemente paracíticos. O parênquima paliçádico é pluriestratificado, ocupando cerca de dois terços do mesofilo dorsiventral. Tricomas glandulares e tectores são observados, em maior número, nas folhas jovens.

Memora nodosa (Silva Manso) Miers, Bignoniaceae, is a Brazilian Savannah plant, popularly used as external wound and ulcer healing (leaves and stems). The goal of this research was to perform the morphological study of M. nodosa species and the anatomical study of its leaves. The morphological study was done to the naked eye and with the aid of a stereoscopic microscope. For the anatomical study leaves were sectioned and histological slides made in accordance with conventional techniques. Memora nodosa is a shrub with decussate leaves recomposed, bipinnate, imparipinnate with small leaflets, lanceolate, dark green and shining. The inflorescence is racemose with infundibuliform flowers and gold yellow corolla; nectar glands are observed in the upper third calyx; androecium with four fertile stamens, didynamus and one staminode; gynoecium with terminal style, superior ovary, seated on a nectary disc. The fruit is flattened septifragal capsule with winged seeds. Anatomically, the blade leaflet is hypostomatic with predominantly paracytic stomata. The palisade parenchyma is pluriseriate, occupying about two thirds of the dorsiventral mesophyll. Glandular and non-glandular trichomes are observed in greater numbers in the young leaves.

Caracterização farmacognóstica das folhas e sementes de Albizia lebbeck (L. ) Benth. (Fabaceae) / Pharmacognostic characterization of leaves and seeds of Albizia lebbeck (L. ) Benth. (Fabaceae)

Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. é popularmente conhecida no Brasil por coração-de-negro. É uma espécie aclimatada nesse país. As sementes dessa espécie são utilizadas no tratamento de diarréia, disenteria e hemorróidas e as folhas, no tratamento de úlceras e nas conjuntivites alérgicas. Este trabalho foi realizado com a finalidade de determinar as características macroscópicas e microscópicas das folhas e sementes dessa planta, uma vez que estas são as partes usadas popularmente. Algumas características de valor na sua diagnose foram apontadas e ilustradas por fotomicrografias. Reações de fitoquímica e a determinação do conteúdo de água e de cinzas foram realizadas no pó das folhas e sementes de A. lebbeck. Saponinas, alcalóides e cumarinas foram detectados nas folhas e sementes; flavonóides foram também identificados nas folhas. O teor de umidade foi 6,78 por cento e 7,91 por cento, respectivamente, para o pó das folhas e sementes. Os valores de cinzas totais e cinzas insolúveis em ácido foram 9,60 por cento e 0,62 por cento para as folhas e 4,13 por cento e 0,21 por cento para as sementes. Os dados obtidos são importantes para o controle de qualidade dessa planta medicinal. O extrato bruto da planta não apresentou atividade antibacteriana.

Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth., is popularly known in Brazil as "coração-de-negro". It is a species acclimatized in Brazil. The seeds of this species are used to treat diarrhea, dysentery and hemorrhoids and the leaves are used for the treatment of ulcers and allergic conjunctivitis. The purpose of this work was to determine the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of the leaves and seeds of this plant, since these are the parts used popularly. Some characters of diagnostical value are pointed out and illustrated by photomicrographs. Phytochemistry reactions and determination of water and ash were done on the powder of A. lebbeck. Saponins, alkaloids, coumarins were detected in the leaves and seeds; flavonoids were also detected in the leaves. The content of water was 6.78 percent and 7.91 percent, respectively, for leaf and seed powder. The values of total ashes and acid insoluble ashes were 9.60 percent and 0.62 percent for leaf, and 4.13 percent and 0.21 percent, for seed powder. The data obtained are important for the quality control of this medicinal plant. The crude extract of this plant did not show antibacterial activity.